“Did she?” Henry asked. “And what did you tell her?”

“I would have joyfully given my blessing,” Oliver said with conviction, “and then Viola and I would have sat down with the two of you and discussed the potential challenges of such a marriage in this time and place. We would have encouraged both of you to marry for love and to also be sensible enough to understand that such a marriage would inevitably be difficult, and that those difficulties would—without a doubt—be passed along to your children. So, to answer what I think might be another question spinning around in your head . . . you were right about believing that with a love that’s strong and steady, two people can face and overcome anything. But Amala was right too; it would have been incredibly difficult. It will be difficult . . . if you decide to take Kat’s advice.”

“Advice?” Henry echoed with some chagrin. “She made us promise her . . . before we knew what we were promising. It was almost the last lucid conversation we had.”

“I know that, Henry; we all do. But we also know that you and Amala are wise enough to know that she would never want either of you to make such an enormous decision just because it’s what she wanted. If she’d been capable of talking for more than a few minutes at a time, I believe she would have clarified that. Either way, no one wants you to marry Amala just because Kat asked you to. Marriage for the sake of duty or obligation is a heavy burden and it would be far too much to bear along with the other inevitable challenges—should you ever decide to pursue that course.”

Henry wished now that he’d come to talk to Oliver weeks ago. His common sense was validating, and his understanding was a comfort. But there was one more thing he had to ask, and he prayed he wouldn’t regret it. “If I do decide to purse that course . . . if I came to you now and asked for your blessing . . . hypothetically speaking . . . what would you tell me? How do you feel about the situation, Oliver? How does Viola feel? I know you can speak for her because I know the two of you have no secrets from each other.”